More than two dozen high school students are spending part of their summer creating special memories while becoming more effective leaders – all thanks to Methodist University’s General Shelton Leadership Camp.
More than two dozen high school students are spending part of their summer creating special memories while becoming more effective leaders – all thanks to Methodist University’s General Shelton Leadership Camp.
Through the Lura S. Tally Center for Leadership Development, the University is currently hosting 28 students for a one-week summer residential experience taking place on MU’s sprawling 600-plus acre campus.
The General Shelton Leadership Camp is helping campers expand their knowledge and skills of what it takes to be a strong leader through General H. Hugh Shelton’s cornerstones of values-based leadership: honesty, integrity, compassion, diversity, and social responsibility.
“The General Shelton Leadership Camp teaches young people to work together when they face challenging circumstances,” said John Edwards, camp director and director for MU’s Tally Center for Leadership. “They learn to have impact in meaningful and ethical ways. I truly believe this camp teaches the skills that are most needed in our society today.”
From June 11-16, campers participate in a variety of fun activities such as low and high ropes courses, scavenger hunt, Jeopardy, bingo, dancing, dying t-shirts, and a talent show. But the camp also provides an enriching experience through a core curriculum that focuses on leadership roles and accountability, team building, leadership styles and situations, social responsibility, integrity as a leader, public speaking, changing behaviors, and goal setting.
For many students, the best part about camp is the growth they experience through active learning.
“This camp is really hands on,” said high school junior Joseph Hunt, who lives in Hope Mills. “The camp makes the activities as fun as possible and it’s always engaging. It’s 100% helping me become a better leader by helping me understand the type of leader I am.
While Methodist University faculty and staff make up most of the staff, there are a few current students who are helping with the camp – including sophomore Lauren See, one of the group leaders.
“Many of the campers come in nervous and shy, but to see them improve and get better by the day is extremely rewarding,” said See, an Elementary Education major. “Sometimes, you wonder if the campers are retaining all the information, but when you see them talking about the lesson we talked about earlier in the week, it’s a great feeling.”
It’s never too early to consider the General Shelton Leadership Camp for the summer of 2024. You can view more information about the camp on the General Shelton Leadership Camp webpage.